Bioceramic Materials in Regenerative Endodontics

Regenerative endodontics as a biology-based treatment concept and alternative to the apical plug in immature teeth with pulp necrosis has become part of the endodontic treatment spectrum in the last few years. After thorough disinfection, provocation of bleeding into the canal induces a clot, which can serve as a starting point for repair and new tissue formation. Similar to conventional root canal treatment, regenerative endodontics involves the use of irrigants, intracanal medicaments, and other dental materials, in particular hydraulic calcium silicate cements. Whereas the procedure is not difficult from a technical point of view substantial knowledge of the effects of these materials on the surrounding structures is required. Not only the biofilm but also the dentine and its various proteins as well as the surrounding cells will be affected. In turn, the materials will be affected, especially by the blood clot. This chapter describes the procedural details of regenerative endodontic procedures and the interactions of materials and surrounding tissues with a particular focus on the role of hydraulic calcium silicates.